Science Research

Participating in research experiences as an undergraduate is an excellent way to add depth to your science understanding and actively engage with what you are learning in the classroom. By doing so, you further develop your laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and you start to build your network with faculty members. Research experiences are valuable components to your resume, and they can make you more competitive for both graduate school and industry opportunities.
“I previously had dreams to be an author, but found myself called by the combination of logic, mystery, and truth in science.”
National Institutes of Standards & Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST SURF) (students)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD, and Boulder, CO. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through a unique research experience that supports the NIST mission. Eligible are currently enrolled undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents, majoring in chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, materials science, fire research, nanotechnology, information technology, mathematics, biology, manufacturing, statistics, or another STEM discipline.
“Listen to your heart and use your head. Math and science ignited my imagination for as far back as I can remember.”
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (sophomores and juniors)

Supports one or two years of undergraduate study in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and natural sciences. Eligible are college sophomores or juniors who are US citizens, permanent residents, and nationals intending to pursue research careers in STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in late November/early December.
Churchill Scholarships (seniors & graduates)

Supports one year of graduate study (including one-year research degrees) in science, mathematics, or engineering at Cambridge. Eligible: graduating seniors and recent graduates of Wellesley College who are US citizens with majors in appropriate STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in early October.
National Institutes of Standards & Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST SURF) - direct application deadline
Eligible: undergraduates in STEM fields who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology - Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST SURF) fully funds summer research opportunities at NIST laboratories in Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD.
Please note that the application period will close either on the deadline (when it is listed) OR when the program has received the application limit, which may be sooner than the announced deadline. Thus, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the on-line application and supporting documents ahead of the...
Amgen Scholars - application deadline
Eligible: programs in Asia are open to citizens of any country, and the program in Canada is for Canadian students/residents—see website for details. Applicants for the U.S. programs must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies).
The Amgen Scholars Program is back for summer 2024! See their website for updated information.
The Amgen Scholars Program offers funded summer science and biotech research experience at host institutions across the US (including Columbia, Harvard, the NIH, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSF, and Washington University in St Louis--as well as CalTech--for US students and permanent residents), as well as in Asia (for students from any country) and in Canada (for Canadian students).
Questions? Any prospective...